Multi-purpose balloon catheter for intra cavity radiation delivery

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to and is adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/292,923,filed on Oct. 13, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 toand is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/189,396, filed on Jun. 22, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,406,381, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to and is adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/889,032,filed on Sep. 23, 2010, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,402,980, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/292,923 also claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/242,972,filed on Oct. 16, 2015, all of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to medical devices, and moreparticularly to a multi-purpose balloon catheter having a plurality ofballoons for selectively stabilizing and positioning the catheter, fordelivering a radiation dose, for measuring and imaging internal organs,cavities, and removing bodily fluids or material while providing an easyconnection module for treatment.

BACKGROUND

A catheter is a tube that can be inserted into a body cavity, duct, orvessel. Catheters thereby allow drainage, injection of fluids, or accessby surgical instruments. The process of inserting a catheter iscatheterization. In most uses, a catheter is a thin, flexible tube(“soft” catheter), though in some uses, it is a larger, solid (“hard”)catheter. A catheter left inside the body, either temporarily orpermanently, may be referred to as an indwelling catheter. A permanentlyinserted catheter may be referred to as a Permcath®, for example.

The ancient Syrians created catheters from reeds. “Katheter—καθϵτηρ”originally referred to an instrument that was inserted such as a plug.The word “katheter” in turn came from “kathiemai—ηαθιϵμαι” meaning “tosit”. The ancient Greeks inserted a hollow metal tube through theurethra into the bladder to empty it and the tube came to be known as a“katheter”.

Heretofore various balloon type catheters and perfusion catheters havebeen proposed for performing one or two procedures. However, heretofore,prior to the present invention, a multi-purpose balloon catheter capableof performing two or more procedures has not been available.

The incidence of esophageal and stomach cancers continue to increaseglobally. Often patients die without proper diagnosis and/or treatment.For localized cancers, tumors can be first shrunk with the help of highdose rate brachytherapy employing appropriate applicators. This can befollowed by surgical, chemotherapeutic and/or biological agents ormediated targeted therapeutic procedures. Positioning and targeting ofradiation to the site of disease with minimal or no damage to normalnearby organs remains a challenge. Thus, the need exists to have acatheter that can not only provide multiple functions but also can beselectively positioned and targeted for delivering the radiation orother suitable treatment modalities and other applications such asrectal, bladder, colon, uteral, cervical and breast cancers. Thecatheters of the present invention can address that need as well as canpromote minimizing risk of causing damage to surrounding tissue or canpromote reducing pain during a treatment procedure.

Thus, a multi-purpose balloon catheter for intra cavity radiationdelivery addressing the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a single intra-cavity catheterhaving a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branchingdistal end portion, a plurality of lumens positioned in association withthe catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality ofinflatable balloons arranged in a plurality of independent and distinctballoon groups. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons arepositioned in association with one or more of the central portion and/orthe non-branching distal end portion of the single intra-cavitycatheter. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons iscommunicatively connected to a corresponding one of the plurality oflumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflatedor deflated to position and/or stabilize the catheter in a cavity fordelivery of a medical treatment or selectively filled with a treatmentmedium, such as a radioactive material, or a contrast medium, fordelivery of the medical treatment.

The multi-purpose balloon catheter can include a secondary treatmentballoon positioned at the non-branching distal end portion of the singleintra-cavity catheter and communicatively connected to one or more ofthe plurality of lumens, and at least one of the plurality of lumens isadapted to provide a medium to selectively inflate or deflate thesecondary treatment balloon to selectively position and/or stabilize thesecondary treatment balloon for delivery of the medical treatment andanother of the plurality of lumens adapted to deliver a radioactive doseor a therapeutic agent or therapeutic medium for the medical treatment.In addition, a radioactive wire can be inserted into one of the lumensto deliver radiation to an internal organ or cavity of a patient. Themulti-purpose balloon catheter can further include a marker placed inassociation with the non-branching distal end portion of the singleintra-cavity catheter to indicate a position of the catheter.

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a longitudinal plan view of an embodiment of a multi-purposeballoon catheter according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1B-1B of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a plan view of an embodiment of a multi-purpose ballooncatheter according to the present invention having an embodiment of anapplicator extender in association with the distal position of thecatheter.

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1D-1D of theembodiment of the catheter of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1E is a plan view of an embodiment of a multi-purpose ballooncatheter according to the present invention having a treatment balloonconfiguration and an embodiment of an applicator extender in conjunctionwith an embodiment of a treatment balloon.

FIG. 1F is an embodiment of an applicator extender in conjunction withan embodiment of a treatment balloon that can be fitted in associationwith the distal end portion of the embodiment of the catheter of FIG.1E, or that can be fitted in association with the distal end portion ofthe embodiment of the catheter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is another embodiment of an applicator extender in conjunctionwith an embodiment of a treatment balloon that can be fitted inassociation with the distal end portion of the embodiment of thecatheter of FIG. 1E, or that can be fitted in association with thedistal end portion of the embodiment of the catheter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1H is a further embodiment of an applicator extender in conjunctionwith an embodiment of a treatment balloon that can be fitted inassociation with the distal end portion of the embodiment of thecatheter of FIG. 1E, or that can be fitted in association with thedistal end portion of the embodiment of the catheter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1I is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1I-1I of theembodiment of the catheter of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 2A is a longitudinal plan view of an embodiment of a multi-purposeballoon catheter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2B-2B of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a plan view of another embodiment of a multi-purpose ballooncatheter fitted with a treatment balloon in association with the distalend portion of the catheter, the treatment balloon having a spiral lumenor a longitudinal lumen adapted to receive a radioactive wire or aradioactive material.

FIG. 2D is an embodiment of a treatment balloon having a spiral lumen ora longitudinal lumen adapted to receive a radioactive wire or aradioactive material as can be with the embodiment of the catheter ofFIG. 2C.

FIG. 2E another embodiment of a treatment balloon having a spiral lumenor a longitudinal lumen adapted to receive a radioactive wire or aradioactive material as can be with the embodiment of the catheter ofFIG. 2C.

FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2F-2F of FIG. 2C.

Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference characters denotecorresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a multi-purpose balloon catheter fordelivering radiation and for targeting single to multiple disease siteswith a novel multi balloon configuration. Additionally, themulti-purpose balloon catheter enables fixing or positioning radioactivewires or radioactive material in a cavity, such as in the esophagus, inother organs or in a surgically created cavity, to deliver radiation ora therapeutic agent to a targeted portion using a conformable deviceincluding balloons, lumens and a single intra-cavity catheter. Moreover,the multi-purpose balloon catheter allows for diagnosing the anatomy ofan abnormal organ shape by evaluating the balloon shape (with contrastagent) by comparing to shapes of normal healthy patient organs. Themulti-purpose balloon catheter allows treatment of multiple sites withdiseases using the same device (esophageal and stomach cancers).Finally, the multi-purpose balloon catheter allows for the treatment ofone organ while determining the dose delivered to a nearby normal organwith a small dosimeter (MOSFET system).

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, there is illustrated inFIG. 1A, an embodiment of a multi-purpose balloon catheter 100 accordingto the teachings of the invention. The multi-purpose balloon catheter100 includes a proximal end portion 121, a central portion 122 as caninclude a generally tubular shaped body 103, and a non-branching distalend portion 123, with the non-branching distal end portion 123 includingan a suitable marker such as an X-ray marker 125 to indicate a positionof the non-branching distal end portion 123 of the multi-purpose ballooncatheter 100. The X-ray marker 125 typically can be gold, lead, tungstenor other heavy metal suitable for X-ray visualization, or can be othersuitable material, as can depend on the use or application, and shouldnot be construed in a limiting sense.

The multi-purpose balloon catheter 100 can be made of various suitablematerials, such as a polymeric material, such as a polyurethane or apolyacrylic material, among other examples, as can depend on the use orapplication, for example. Typically, a length 113 of the multi-purposeballoon catheter 100 of FIG. 1A is about 78 cm to the tip from the basearea of the multi-purpose balloon catheter 100, but the catheter 100 canbe of various suitable lengths and dimensions, as can depend on the useor application, for example. A diameter 114 of the catheter 100 of FIG.1A is typically 0.45 cm, but can be of various suitable diameters, ascan depend on the use or application, for example.

The proximal end portion 121 of the catheter 100 includes the pluralityof neck portions 106 a, 106 b, and 106 c, made of similar suitablematerial as the catheter 100. The neck portions 106 a, 106 b, and 106 ceach include a corresponding lumen 101 a, 102 a and 105 a therein thatextends within the catheter 100 for balloon inflation or for treatmentdelivery, for example. The neck portions 106 a, 106 b, and 106 c andcorresponding lumens 101 a, 102 a and 105 a are desirably associatedwith a corresponding suitable connector or connecting mechanism 101, 102and 105, such as suitable luer locks 101, 102, and 105, that can be amale or a female connection, for example.

For example, the luer-locks 101 and 105 can be fitted with syringes forselectively inflating balloons 111 a, 111 b, and 111 c and balloons 109a and 109 b to a predetermined size, for a particular use orapplication, for example. The balloons 111 a, 111 b, and 111 c and theballoons 109 a and 109 b being desirably located in the central portion122 to facilitate positioning and stabilizing the catheter 100 fordelivery of a treatment. In the catheter 100, the lumen 101 a associatedwith the luer lock 101 can receive and remove a fluid medium, such assaline solution or a gaseous medium, such as by a syringe or othersuitable delivery mechanism, such as a pump, to selectively inflate ordeflate the balloons 111 a, 111 b, and 111 c.

Similarly, the lumen 105 a associated with the luer lock 105 can receiveand remove a fluid medium, such as saline solution or a gaseous medium,such as by a syringe or other suitable delivery mechanism, such as apump, to selectively inflate or deflate the balloons 109 a and 109 b,for example. The locking mechanism or connector, such as provided by theluer locks 101, 102 and 105, when affixed to the catheter 100 canprovide for selectively not allowing or selectively allowing a fluidmedium, such as including fluids, fluid or gaseous mediums, such as air,or allowing a contrast medium, for example, to pass through acorresponding connecting point provided by the connector or connectingmechanism 101, 102 and 105, such as luer locks, of the catheter 100.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, the central lumen 102 a associated with theconnector 102, such as a luer lock, can be used to insert a radioactivewire 107 as a radiation source or a radioactive material into thetreatment catheter 100, such radiation source or radioactive materialcan also include a radioactive seed, for treatment at a specific site orat a predetermined location of the organ or cavity. Also, the centrallumen 102 a associated with the locking mechanism or connector 102, suchas a luer lock, can be used with suction or a syringe to remove bodilyfluids or material from a cavity in a body, such as an area adjacent tothe cavity, using the treatment catheter 100, such as by communicatingwith an extraction opening 127 at the non-branching distal end portion123 of the catheter 100, such as illustrated in FIG. 1A, for example.The central lumen 102 a can be positioned in a larger main lumen 103 aextending through the catheter 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. Thelocking mechanism or connector 102 for the lumen 102 a can allow for arelatively easier controlled delivery and guidance for treatment andextraction within a treatment area, for example.

Selectively inflating the balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 ccan allow for selectively positioning and/or stabilizing the catheter100 or for administration of a therapeutic treatment or for removal ofbodily fluids or material in a cavity, such as in a bodily organ or in acavity region, such as the esophagus, rectum, stomach or a surgicallycreated cavity, such as in the breast or other organ or bodily tissue,such as through the lumen 102 a, for example. The lumens 101 a and 105 aand the inflated balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c cancontain a contrast liquid or other contrast medium, such as for contrastpurposes in imaging applications, as can also be used for inflation ofthe balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c, for positioning,stabilization and treatment, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, theballoons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c can be arranged in aplurality of independent and distinct balloon groups in association withthe central portion 122 of the catheter 100. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 1A, the balloons 109 a and 109 b can form a first balloon group,and the balloons 111 a, 111 b and 111 c can form a second balloon group.Each independent and distinct balloon group can be selectively inflatedor deflated or can also receive and can have removed a contrast liquidor other contrast medium independently of the balloons of anotherballoon group, such as through corresponding ones of the plurality ofconnectors, such as connectors 101 and 105, and through the associatedcorresponding ones of the plurality of the lumens, such as lumens 101 aand 105 a, for example.

As discussed herein, the catheter 100 includes a plurality of balloons,such as the balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c that may bearranged in a plurality of independent and distinct balloons groups,such as the first balloon group including balloons 109 a and 109 b andthe second balloon group including balloons 111 a, 111 b, and 111 c. Thelumens of the catheter 100, such as the lumens 101 a and 105 a, can becommunicatively connected to a single or to any of various pluralitiesof balloons. For example, the lumen 101 a can be connected with balloons111 a, 111 b, 111 c of the second balloon group and the lumen 105 a canbe connected to balloons 109 a and 109 b of the first balloon group, asillustrated in FIG. 1A, for example. Also, the catheter 100 can have anyof various other suitable connection arrangements with more or lesslumens or balloons, as can depend on the use or application, forexample. Further, the balloons, such as the balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111a, 111 b and 111 c, can have any of various suitable sizes or shapes,such as cylindrical, spherical, oval, oblong, toroidal, or othersuitable shapes, as can depend on the use or application, for example.

The lumens, such as the lumens 101 a, 102 a and 105 a, can have any ofvarious suitable sizes, shapes or configurations, such as cylindrical,rectangular, oval, or other suitable shapes or configurations, as candepend on the use or application, for example. Also, a typical dimensionof a diameter of the lumens, such as indicated at 117 for diameter ofthe lumen 105 a, as indicated at 129 for a diameter of the lumen 101 a,and as indicated at 131 for a diameter of the lumen 102 a, for inflatingthe balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c and/or for delivery ofa treatment, can be typically in a range of from about 0.8 mm to about1.5 mm, for example, but can be of various suitable dimensions, as candepend on the use or application, and should not be construed in alimiting sense.

Further, the spacing between each of the centers of adjacent ones of theballoons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c, as can desirablycorrespond to the spacing between adjacent exit points of the lumens 101a and 105 a respective adjacent balloons, can be a same or a differentspacing, as can depend on the use or application, such as desirablybeing spaced apart by about 2.5 cm from each other as indicated at 115,for example. The first balloon group including the balloons 109 a and109 b is independently arranged from the second balloon group includingthe balloons 111 a, 111 b and 111 c on the catheter 100 along the length113 of the catheter 100, such as illustrated in FIG. 1A. Also, thelumens, such as the lumens 101 a, 102 a and 105 a, can be positionedwithin an interior of the catheter 100, such interior of the catheter100 being indicated by the numeral 119, or can be positioned orintegrally formed on or in an exterior surface or layer of the catheter100, for example, as can depend on the use or application, for example.

The balloons, such as the balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c,can be made of nylon, polyurethane, Polyether block amide Pebax®,poly(ethylene terephthalate), commonly abbreviated PET or otherthermoplastic elastomers or other suitable materials, as can depend onthe use or application, for example. Additionally, one or more of theballoons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b and 111 c and all or part of thecatheter 100, such as the body 103 of the central portion 122 of thecatheter 100, can be coated or impregnated with various suitablecoatings for ease of assembly such as a silicone type coating, or theballoons can be impregnated or coated with various suitable therapeuticor medicinal agents for treatment at a site within the body, such as byelution of the agent from the balloon or the catheter, for example.

In an embodiment, the catheter 100, as well as the balloons associatedwith the catheter 100, such as the balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b,and 111 c, can be uncoated or can be coated with a lubricant forlubrication for ease of positioning the catheter 100 at a treatmentsite, or can be coated or formed with antimicrobial or medicinal agentsfor delivery of a therapeutic treatment at the treatment site, forexample. In this regard, in various embodiments of catheters, such asthe catheter 100, various therapeutic drugs can be coated onto thesurface of the balloons or catheter for releasing the drug internally toa specific location of the cavity being treated.

The catheter 100 of FIG. 1A having a plurality of connectors or lockingmechanisms, such as the luer-locks 101, 102 and 105 as examples ofconnectors or locking mechanisms, and a plurality of balloons, such asthe balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b, and 111 c, can be inserted intovarious body cavities, such as the esophagus, but is not limited theretoand can also be inserted for treatment into other cavities, such as therectum, vagina, etc. or surgically created cavities, wherein theradioactive wire, radioactive seed or other radioactive or therapeuticmaterial or other therapeutic agent, can provide the requisite radiationdose or therapeutic treatment to treat cancerous growth or other medicalconditions. Typically, the dimension of the radioactive wire, such asthe radioactive wire 107, that can be inserted into the lumen 102 a, isdesirably in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm, for example, butcan be of various suitable dimensions and configurations, as can dependon the use or application.

Desirably, the radioactive wire, such as the radioactive wire 107, ismade of a suitable radioactive material, such as can includeIridium-192, Cobalt 60 and Yttrium 168, for example. The high dose rate(HDR) treatment delivered through the catheter, such as the catheter100, can be conducted with Ir-192, Au-198, 1-125 and Cs-131, forexample. Typically the dose of radiation delivered by the radioactivewire, such as the radioactive wire 107, is about 1 Curie to about 10Curies per seed, but can be any suitable dose, as can depend on the useor application. Also, HDR afterloaders can be used in conjunction withembodiments of the catheters, such as the catheter 100, for delivery ofa radiation dose for treatment, such as Varisource, Gamma Med and BEBIGafterloaders or other suitable afterloaders, for example.

For a low dose rate (LDR) application delivered through embodiments ofcatheters, such as the catheter 100, Sr-90 can be used in conjunctionwith the radiation wire, such as the radioactive wire 107, as well asCs-131 and Yb-168 can be used as the radiation source, for example.Typically the dose of radiation using the LDR configuration is usuallyone thousand times less than the HDR applications, such LDR dose beingin a range of about 1 milli Curie to about 10 milli Curies, for example.

An advantage, among others, of embodiments of catheters, such as thecatheter 100, is that it can allow for delivering the radiation dose toa specific or a predetermined site or location of or in the cavity, suchas in an organ, a body cavity or a surgically created cavity, such as bythe radioactive wire 107, through the lumen 102 a, and can also allow,at the same time or at different times, for the removal of fluid orbodily material, from the area of the treatment site, such as throughthe lumen 102 or the main lumen 103 a, for example, while also providingenhanced stabilization and positioning of the catheter, such as thecatheter 100, for treatment, by selective inflation or deflation of thecorresponding balloons, such as the balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b,and 111 c, for example, as can allow selectively controlling the size ofeach balloon independently or in conjunction with one or more otherballoons, to selectively adjust the location and positioning of thecatheter at the treatment site.

FIG. 1B shows the cross sectional view taken along the 1B-1B plane ofthe catheter 100 of FIG. 1A. The catheter 100 is illustrated in sectionin FIG. 1B along with relative positions of the lumens 101 a, 102 a and105 a, for example. Also, FIG. 1B illustrates a relative position of theradioactive wire 107 within the lumen 102 a. The central lumen 102 aallows for selectively inserting and positioning the radioactive wire,such as the radioactive wire 107, a radioactive seed or other suitabletreatment medium, for delivery of a treatment, for example.

Referring to FIG. 1C, another embodiment of a multi-purpose balloonsingle intra-cavity catheter 300 is illustrated. The catheter 300 issimilar to the catheter 100 of FIG. 1A, as described, including theballoons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, and the corresponding lumens101 a, 102 a and 105 a with the connectors or locking mechanisms 101,102 and 105, as described, and can be of suitable shapes, dimensions andmaterials, as described in relation to the catheter 100. However, thecatheter 300 also includes an embodiment of an applicator extender 505at the distal end portion 123 of the catheter 300. The applicatorextender 505 includes a lower portion or a lower chamber 501 and anupper portion or an upper chamber 510 for delivering a radiation dose,such as to the esophagus, such as through the radioactive wire 107, forexample.

A secondary treatment radiation balloon wire can be inserted into theapplicator extender 505 through the middle section having a membranethat can be made of silicone, as can also deliver a treatment fluid ortreatment medium, for example. The applicator extender 505 can beassociated with or include a suitable connector or fastening mechanism511, such as a suitable luer lock, to allow fitting the applicatorextender 505 with the catheter 300 in association with the non-branchingdistal end portion 123 of the catheter 300 end, such as in FIG. 1C, forexample. The applicator extender 505 in conjunction with an embodimentof a treatment balloon is illustrated in greater detail and furtherdescribed herein in relation to FIGS. 1F, 1G and 1H.

FIG. 1D illustrates is a cross sectional planar view taken along the1D-1D plane of the catheter 300 of FIG. 1C. The catheter 300 isillustrated in section in FIG. 1D along with relative positions of thelumens 101 a, 102 a and 105 a, for example. Also, FIG. 1D illustrates arelative position of the radioactive wire 107 within the lumen 102 a.The central lumen 102 a allows for selectively inserting and positioningthe radioactive wire, such as the radioactive wire 107, or othersuitable treatment medium, for delivery of a treatment, for example.

Referring to FIG. 1E, another embodiment of a multi-purpose balloonsingle intra-cavity catheter 400 is illustrated. The catheter 400 issimilar to the catheter 100 of FIG. 1A and the catheter 300 of FIG. 1C,as described, including the balloons 109 a, 109 b, 111 a, 111 b, 111 c,and the corresponding lumens 101 a, 102 a and 105 a with the connectorsor locking mechanisms 101, 102 and 105, as described, and can be ofsuitable shapes, dimensions and materials, as described in relation tothe catheters 100 and 300. However, the catheter 400 also includes anembodiment of an applicator extender balloon assembly 500 at thenon-branching distal end portion 123 of the catheter 400 that includesthe applicator extender 505, such as also illustrated in FIG. 1C, and anembodiment of a secondary treatment balloon 550.

The applicator extender 505 provides a connection with the lumen 102 afor delivery of a radiation dose, or for delivery of a therapeuticagent, to the secondary treatment balloon 550 for a treatment, such asto a cavity formed by or in the stomach or a surgically created cavity,such as through the radioactive wire 107, for example. A secondarytreatment radiation balloon wire, such as the radioactive wire 107, canbe inserted into the lumen 102 a and through the applicator extender 505through the middle section having a membrane that can be made ofsilicone, and can also deliver a treatment fluid or treatment medium,for example, to the secondary treatment balloon 550.

The secondary treatment balloon 550 includes an outer secondarytreatment balloon 552 and an inner secondary treatment balloon 554. Theouter secondary treatment balloon 552 and the inner secondary treatmentballoon 554 can be selectively inflated or deflated to be positioned ina body cavity or a surgically created cavity to be treated and the innerballoon 554 is associated with at least one secondary treatment lumencommunicatively connected with the lumen 102 a for delivery and removalof a radiation dose, a therapeutic agent or other treatment, to befurther described in relation to FIGS. 1F, 1G and 1H.

Additionally, the catheter 400 includes neck portions 106 d and 106 eand corresponding lumens 104 a and 108 a are desirably associated with acorresponding suitable connector or connecting mechanism 104 and 108,such as suitable luer locks 104 and 108, which can be a male or a femaleconnection, for example. The lumens 104 a and 108 a can be extendedthrough the applicator extender 505, such as by a suitable connectorlumen in the applicator extender 505, to be placed in communication withthe secondary treatment balloon 550. The lumen 104 a is communicativelypositioned in association with the inner secondary treatment balloon 554and the lumen 108 a is communicatively positioned in association withthe outer secondary treatment balloon 552 to respectively selectivelyinflate or deflate the inner secondary treatment balloon 554 and theouter secondary treatment balloon 552 to position and stabilize thesecondary treatment balloon 550 in a body cavity to be treated.

Similarly, the lumens 104 a and 108 a associated with the luer locks 104and 108, respectively, can receive and remove a fluid medium, such assaline solution or a gaseous medium, such as by a syringe or othersuitable delivery mechanism or machine, such as a pump, to selectivelyinflate or deflate the inner secondary treatment balloon 554 and theouter secondary treatment balloon 552, to provide a correspondingballoon, shape, size and configuration in the body cavity for thetreatment, for example.

Additionally, the applicator extender 505 can be associated with orinclude a suitable connector or fastening mechanism 511, such as asuitable luer lock, to allow fitting with the catheter 400 inassociation with the non-branching distal end portion 123 of thecatheter 400, such as in FIG. 1E, for example. The applicator extender505 and the secondary treatment balloon 550 can be associated with afurther connector or locking mechanism 143, such as a luer lock, toallow selective fitting the applicator extender 505 with the secondarytreatment balloon 550 to allow for secondary treatment balloons 550 ofdifferent sizes, shapes and configurations to be communicativelyconnected with the applicator extender 505 for delivery of a treatment,for example.

Also, the applicator extender 505 and the secondary treatment balloon550, as well as the applicator extender balloon assembly 500, can beintegrally formed together with each other and with the catheter 400, orcan also suitably be joined together by other suitable processes andmethods, such as with a suitable adhesive, glue or tape in addition tothe locking mechanism or connector, such as the luer locks 511 and 143,for example. The applicator extender balloon assembly 500 including theapplicator extender 505 and various exemplary embodiments of thesecondary treatment balloon 550 are illustrated in greater detail andfurther described herein in relation to FIGS. 1F, 1G and 1H.

Referring now to FIG. 1F, there is illustrated the catheter 400 with anembodiment of the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 that includesan embodiment of the applicator extender 505 and an embodiment of thesecondary treatment balloon 550 associated with the catheter 400 andwith the various lumens of FIG. 1E, in greater detail. In the embodimentof the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 of FIG. 1F, theapplicator extender 505 and the secondary treatment balloon 550 areintegrally formed or are joined together with each other at 510, such asby being suitably joined together by suitable processes and methods,such as with a suitable adhesive, glue or tape, for example. In theembodiment of applicator extender balloon assembly 500, the applicatorextender 505 can be suitably joined to the catheter 400 by a suitablelocking mechanism or connector, such as the luer lock 511, or can beintegrally formed or are joined together with the catheter 400, such asby being suitably joined together by suitable processes and methods,such as with a suitable adhesive, glue or tape, for example.

The applicator extender 505 in FIG. 1F, also includes a lower orproximal chamber 507 and a distal or upper chamber 509 that can receivea radioactive or other therapeutic treatment medium or a contrastmedium, such as through the central lumen 102 a, for example. Theapplicator extender 505 can include a base 503, as can be a suitablemembrane or a suitable material as can be configured to allow passage ofone or more lumens, and an outer wall 501 that can form respectiveportions of the lower chamber 507 and the upper chamber 509 and that canbe communicatively connected to the connector or locking mechanism 511or that can be otherwise communicatively connected to the catheter 400,as described. The lower chamber 507 and the upper chamber 509 each canselectively include a suitable fluid medium or a treatment agent, suchas a radioactive fluid or a contrast agent, as can be used for mapping aposition or for treatment, as can be selectively introduced though thecentral lumen 102 a, for example.

The applicator extender 505 also includes an aperture 504 a that can beselectively opened or closed by a gate member 504 that can be eitheradapted to be perforated or that can be adapted to be selectively openedor closed by passage or removal of the central lumen 102 a or of anextension thereof in the applicator extender 505, as described, and/orby the lumens 104 a and 108 a or an extension thereof in the applicatorextender 505, as described. The gate member 504 can be formed in or as apart of a separation wall 504 b, formed between the lower chamber 507and the upper chamber 509, as can be formed of silicone or a rubber typematerial, or other suitable material, or can be a membrane of a suitablematerial, for example.

As described in relation to FIG. 1E, the lumens 104 a and 108 a can beextended through the applicator extender 505, such as by a suitableconnector lumen in the applicator extender 505, to be placed incommunication with the secondary treatment balloon 550. The lumen 104 ais in communication with the inner secondary treatment balloon 554 andthe lumen 108 a is in communication with the outer secondary treatmentballoon 552 to respectively selectively inflate or deflate the innersecondary treatment balloon 554 and the outer secondary treatmentballoon 552 to position and/or stabilize the secondary treatment balloon550, the outer secondary treatment balloon 552 and/or the innersecondary treatment balloon 554, in a body cavity to be treated.

Similarly, the lumens 104 a and 108 a can receive and remove a fluidmedium, as previously described, such as saline solution or a gaseousmedium, such as by a syringe or other suitable delivery mechanism, suchas a pump, to selectively inflate or deflate the inner secondarytreatment balloon 554 and the outer secondary treatment balloon 552, toprovide a corresponding balloon, shape, size and configuration in thebody cavity for the treatment, for example.

The inner secondary treatment balloon 554 has at least one or both of afirst secondary treatment lumen 556 and a second secondary treatmentlumen 560. The first secondary treatment lumen 556 can be positioned inassociation with the periphery of the inner secondary treatment balloon554 and can be integrally formed with or affixed to or otherwisepositioned in conjunction with the inner secondary treatment balloon554, such as by a suitable glue or adhesive, for example. The firstsecondary treatment lumen 556 can be positioned in association with theperiphery of the inner secondary treatment balloon 554, such as eitherin association with an interior surface or in association with anexterior surface of the inner secondary treatment balloon 554, desirablyin a generally spiral type configuration, such as illustrated in FIG.1F, for example. The first secondary treatment lumen 556 iscommunicatively connected to the central lumen 102 a or an extensionthereof in the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 by a connectoror connector portion 558 to deliver a radioactive dose or othertherapeutic treatment through the central lumen 102 a to a treatmentsite in a cavity, such as by insertion of the radioactive wire 107 orproviding a therapeutic agent through the central lumen 102 a, theconnector 558 and the first secondary treatment lumen 556, for example.

In the inner secondary treatment balloon 554, the second secondarytreatment lumen 560 can be integrally formed with or affixed to orotherwise positioned in conjunction with the inner secondary treatmentballoon 554, such as by a suitable glue or adhesive, for example. Thesecond secondary treatment lumen 560 is communicatively connected to thecentral lumen 102 a by a connector or connector portion 559 to deliver aradioactive dose or other therapeutic treatment through the centrallumen 102 a to a treatment site in a cavity, such as by insertion of theradioactive wire 107 or providing a therapeutic agent through thecentral lumen 102 a, the connector 559 and the second secondarytreatment lumen 560, for example. The second secondary treatment lumen560 is desirably formed in an interior portion of the inner secondarytreatment balloon 554 desirably extending in a generally longitudinaldirection in a generally central portion of the inner secondarytreatment balloon 554, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 1G, there is illustrated the catheter 400 with anembodiment of the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 that includesan embodiment of the applicator extender 505 and an embodiment of thesecondary treatment balloon 550 associated with the catheter 400 andwith the various lumens of FIG. 1E, in greater detail. The applicatorextender balloon assembly 500 in association with the catheter 400 inFIG. 1G has similar components and structure to that described withrespect to the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 illustrated inFIG. 1F. However, in the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 ofFIG. 1G, there is included a connector or locking mechanism 143, such asa suitable luer lock, that can include suitable male or femaleconnectors 143 a and 143 b to connect the applicator extender 505 andthe secondary treatment balloon 550 for a treatment. Also, in theapplicator extender balloon assembly 500 of FIG. 1G the inner secondarytreatment balloon 554 can only include, for example, the secondsecondary treatment lumen 560 and the connector 559, with the firstsecondary treatment lumen 556 being optionally indicated by the dashedlines and the connector 558 (illustrated in FIG. 1F) not being shown inFIG. 1G.

Referring now to FIG. 1H, there is illustrated the catheter 400 with anembodiment of the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 that includesan embodiment of the applicator extender 505 and an embodiment of thesecondary treatment balloon 550 associated with the catheter 400 andwith the various lumens of FIG. 1E, in greater detail. The applicatorextender balloon assembly 500 in association with the catheter 400 inFIG. 1H has similar components and structure to that described withrespect to the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 illustrated inFIG. 1F. However, in the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 ofFIG. 1H, there is included a connector or locking mechanism 143, such asa suitable luer lock, that can include suitable male or femaleconnectors 143 a and 143 b to connect the applicator extender 505 andthe secondary treatment balloon 550 for a treatment. Also, in theapplicator extender balloon assembly 500 of FIG. 1H the inner secondarytreatment balloon 554 can only include, for example, the first secondarytreatment lumen 556 and the connector 558, with the second secondarytreatment lumen 560 and the connector 559 being optionally indicated bythe dashed lines.

Referring to FIG. 1I, there is illustrated is a cross sectional planarview taken along the 1I-1I plane of the catheter 400 of FIG. 1E. Thecatheter 400 is illustrated in section in FIG. 1I along with relativepositions of the lumens 101 a, 102 a, 104 a, 105 a and 108 a, forexample. Also, FIG. 1I illustrates a relative position of theradioactive wire 107 within the lumen 102 a. The central lumen 102 aallows for selectively inserting and positioning the radioactive wire,such as the radioactive wire 107, or other suitable treatment medium,for delivery of a treatment, for example.

The catheters 100, 300 and 400, and the various balloons and componentsthereof including the applicator extender balloon assembly 500 andcomponents thereof can be made of various suitable materials, including,for example, nylon, polyurethane, Polyether block amide Pebax®,poly(ethylene terephthalate), commonly abbreviated PET or otherthermoplastic elastomers. Nylon can be desirably used, since it can befused together with the catheter, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, there is provided a multi-purpose balloonsingle intra-cavity catheter 200 having a plurality of various sizedballoons that may be arranged in a plurality of independent and distinctballoons groups, and can enable fixing, stabilizing or positioning ofradioactive material, such as radioactive wires, in a cavity, such as inthe esophagus or in other organs or in bodily or surgically createdcavities, to deliver a radiation dose or other therapeutic agent to atargeted portion of a body for treatment. Moreover, the catheter 200 canallow for diagnosing the anatomy of abnormal organ shape by evaluatingthe balloon shape (with contrast agent) by comparing to shapes of normalhealthy patient organs, for example.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the catheter 200, similar to thestructure of the catheter 100 of FIG. 1A fitted with a secondarytreatment balloon 270 as shown in FIG. 2A that is adapted to receive aradioactive wire that encircles or is arranged in association with aninner portion of the balloon for delivering a relatively higher dose ofradiation and to position the balloon in the cavity or organ fortreatment. The balloon attached to the catheter 200 can include outerand inner balloons to position and deliver the treatment. The outerballoon can also assist in protecting the inner balloon that is adaptedto receive the radioactive material, such as radioactive wire, or atherapeutic agent for treatment, as to be further described.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, there is illustrated inFIG. 2A an embodiment of the multi-purpose balloon single intra-cavitycatheter 200 according to the teachings of the invention. Themulti-purpose balloon single intra-cavity catheter 200 includes aproximal end portion 212, a central portion 214 as can have a generallytubular shaped body 205, and a non-branching distal end portion 216,with the non-branching distal end portion 216 including a suitablemarker such as an X-ray marker 221 to indicate a position of thenon-branching distal end portion 216 of the catheter 200. The X-raymarker 221 typically can be gold, lead, tungsten or other heavy metalsuitable for X-ray visualization, or can be other suitable material, ascan depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in alimiting sense.

The multi-purpose balloon single intra-cavity catheter 200 can be madeof various suitable materials, such as a polymeric material, such aspolyurethane or polyacrylic, among other examples, as can depend on theuse or application, for example. Typically, a length 218 of themulti-purpose balloon single intra-cavity catheter 200 of FIG. 2A isabout 78 cm to the tip area from the base area of the multi-purposeballoon single intra-cavity catheter 200, but the catheter 200 can be ofvarious suitable lengths and dimensions, as can depend on the use orapplication, for example. A diameter 229 of the central portion 214 ofthe catheter 200 of FIG. 2A is typically 0.45 cm, but can be of varioussuitable diameters, as can depend on the use or application, forexample.

The proximal end portion 212 of the catheter 200 includes the pluralityof neck portions 206 a, 206 b, 206 c, 206 d and 206 e, made of similarsuitable material as the catheter 200. The neck portions 206 a, 206 b,206 c, 206 d and 206 e each include a corresponding lumen 201 a, 202 a,203 a, 207 a and 209 a therein that extends from the proximal endportion 212, such as within the catheter 200, for balloon inflation orfor treatment delivery, for example. The neck portions 206 a, 206 b, 206c, 206 d and 206 e and corresponding lumens 201 a, 202 a, 203 a, 207 aand 209 a are desirably associated with a corresponding suitableconnector or connecting mechanism 201, 202, 203, 207 and 209, such assuitable luer locks 201, 202, 203, 207 and 209, that can be a male or afemale connection, for example.

For example, the luer-locks 203, 207 and 209 can be fitted with syringesfor selectively inflating balloons 215 a, 215 b, balloons 217 a, 217 b,and 217 c and balloon 219 to a predetermined size, for a particular useor application, for example. The balloons 215 a, 215 b, the balloons 217a, 217 b, and 217 c and the balloon 219 being desirably located inassociation with the central portion 214 to facilitate positioningand/or stabilizing the catheter 200 for delivery of a treatment. In thecatheter 200, the lumen 203 a associated with the luer lock 203 canreceive and remove a fluid medium, such as saline solution or a gaseousmedium, such as by a syringe or other suitable delivery mechanism, suchas a pump, to selectively inflate or deflate the balloons 217 a, 217 b,and 217 c, for example.

Also, the lumen 207 a associated with the luer lock 207 can receive andremove a fluid medium, such as saline solution or a gaseous medium, suchas by a syringe or other suitable delivery mechanism, such as a pump, toselectively inflate or deflate the balloon 219, for example. Similarly,the lumen 209 a associated with the luer lock 209 can receive and removea fluid medium, such as saline solution or a gaseous medium, such as bya syringe or other suitable delivery mechanism, such as a pump, toselectively inflate or deflate the balloons 215 a and 215 b, forexample. The locking mechanism or connector, such as provided by theluer locks 203, 207 and 209, when affixed to the catheter 200 canprovide for selectively not allowing or selectively allowing a fluidmedium, such as including fluids, fluid or gaseous mediums, or air, orallowing a contrast medium, for example, to pass through a correspondingconnecting point provided by the connector or connecting mechanism 203,207 and 209, such as luer locks, with the catheter 200. As illustratedin FIG. 2A, the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219 canbe arranged in a plurality of independent and distinct balloon groups inassociation with the central portion 214 of the catheter 200. Forexample, as illustrated from FIG. 2A, the balloons 215 a and 215 b canform a first independent and distinct balloon group, the balloons 217 a,217 b and 217 c can form a second independent and distinct balloongroup, and the balloon 219 can form a third independent and distinctballoon group. Each independent and distinct balloon group can beselectively inflated or deflated or can also receive or have removed acontrast liquid or other contrast medium independently of the balloonsof another independent and distinct balloon group, such as throughcorresponding ones of the plurality of connectors, such as connectors203, 207 and 209, and through the associated corresponding ones of theplurality of the lumens, such as lumens 203 a, 207 a and 209 a, forexample.

As depicted in FIG. 2A, the central lumen 202 a associated with theconnector 202, such as a luer lock, can be used to insert a radioactivewire 208 or a radioactive seed, for example, as a radiation source fortreatment at a specific or predetermined site or location of or withinthe organ or other cavity, into the catheter 200. Also, the centrallumen 202 a associated with the locking mechanism or connector 202, suchas a luer lock, can be used with suction or a syringe to remove bodilyfluids or material from a cavity in a body using the treatment catheter200, for example. The central lumen 202 a can be positioned in a largermain lumen 205 a extending through the catheter 200, as illustrated inFIG. 2A. The locking mechanism or connector 202 for the central lumen202 a can allow medical personnel to have a relatively easier controlleddelivery and guidance for treatment and extraction within a treatmentarea, for example.

Selectively inflating the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and219 can allow for selectively positioning and stabilizing the catheter200 for administration of a therapeutic treatment or for removal bodilyfluids or material in or within a cavity, such as in a bodily organ orin a cavity region, such as in or within the esophagus, rectum, stomachor a surgically created cavity, such as in or within the breast, anotherorgan or bodily tissue, such as through the lumen 202 a, for example.The lumens 203 a, 207 a and 209 a and the inflated balloons 215 a, 215b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219 can contain a contrast liquid or othercontrast medium, such as for contrast purposes in imaging applications,as can also be used for inflation or deflation of the balloons 215 a,215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219, for positioning, stabilizationand/or treatment, for example.

As discussed herein, the catheter 200 includes a plurality of balloons,such as the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219 arrangedin a plurality of independent and distinct balloon groups, such as thefirst balloon group including balloons 215 a and 215 b, the secondballoon group including balloons 217 a, 217 b, 217 c, and the thirdballoon group including balloon 219. The lumens of the catheter 200,such as the lumens 203 a, 207 a and 209 a, can be communicativelyconnected to a single or to any of various pluralities of balloons. Forexample, the lumen 203 a can be connected with balloons 217 a, 217 b,217 c of the second balloon group, the lumen 207 a can be connected tothe balloon 219 of the third balloon group, and the lumen 209 a can beconnected to balloons 215 a and 215 b of the first balloon group, asillustrated in FIG. 2A, for example. Also, the catheter 200 can have anyof various other suitable connection arrangements with more or lesslumens or balloons, as can depend on the use or application, forexample.

Further, the balloons, such as the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b,217 c and 219, can have any of various suitable sizes or shapes, such ascylindrical, spherical, oval, oblong, toroidal, or other suitableshapes, as can depend on the use or application, for example. In thecatheter 200, the first independent and distinct balloon group includingballoons 215 a and 215 b, the second independent and distinct balloongroup including balloons 217 a, 217 b and 217 c, and the thirdindependent and distinct balloon group including balloon 219 each can beof a different size or shape from the balloons of the other groups, forexample, as can assist in positioning and stabilizing the catheter 200in a cavity, such as in an organ, a body cavity or surgically createdcavity, for treatment delivery.

The lumens, such as the lumens 201 a, 202 a, 203 a, 207 a and 209 a, canhave any of various suitable sizes, shapes or configurations, such ascylindrical, rectangular, oval, or other suitable shapes orconfigurations, as can depend on the use or application, for example.Also, a typical dimension of a diameter of the lumens, such as indicatedat 211 for diameter of the lumen 203 a and as indicated at 225 for adiameter of the lumen 209 a, for inflating the corresponding balloons215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219 can be typically in a range offrom about 0.8 mm to about 1.5 mm, for example, but can be of varioussuitable dimensions, as can depend on the use or application, and shouldnot be construed in a limiting sense.

Further, the spacing between each of the centers of adjacent ones of theballoons 217 a, 217 b and 217 c as can desirably correspond to thespacing between adjacent exit points of the lumen 203 a, can be a sameor a different spacing, as can depend on the use or application, such asdesirably being spaced apart by about 2.5 cm from each other asindicated at 223, for example. Also, the spacing between each ofadjacent balloons of the catheter 200, such as the balloons 215 a, 215b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219, can be same or different for each pairof adjacent balloons of the catheter 200, as can depend on the use orapplication, for example. The first balloon group including the balloons215 a and 215 b, the second balloon group including the balloons 217 a,217 b and 217 c, and the third balloon group including the balloon 219are each independently arranged from each other balloon group on thecatheter 200 along the length 218 of the catheter 200, such asillustrated in FIG. 2A. Also, the lumens, such as the lumens 201 a, 202a, 203 a, 207 a and 209 a, can be positioned within the interior of thecatheter 200, such interior of the catheter 200 being indicated by thenumeral 227, or can be positioned or integrally formed on or in anexterior surface or layer of the catheter 200, for example, as candepend on the use or application, for example.

The balloons, such as the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and219 can be made of nylon, polyurethane, Polyether block amide Pebax ,poly(ethylene terephthalate) commonly abbreviated PET, or otherthermoplastic elastomers or other suitable materials, as can depend onthe use or application, for example. Additionally, one or more of theballoons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219 and all of, part ofor a portion of the catheter 200, such as including the body 205 of thecentral portion 214 of the catheter 200, can be coated or impregnatedwith various suitable coatings for ease of assembly such as a siliconetype coating, or the balloons, such as the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a,217 b, 217 c and 219, and/or the catheter, such as the catheter 200, canbe impregnated or coated with various suitable therapeutic or medicinalagents for treatment at a site within the body, such as by elution ofthe agent from the balloon or the catheter, for example.

In an embodiment, all of, a part of or a portion of the catheter 200, aswell as one or more of the balloons associated with the catheter 200,such as the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219, can beuncoated or can be coated with a lubricant for lubrication for ease ofpositioning the catheter 200 at a treatment site, or can be coated orformed with antimicrobial or medicinal agents for delivery of atherapeutic treatment at the treatment site, for example. In thisregard, in various embodiments of catheters, such as the catheter 200,various therapeutic drugs or agents can be coated onto the surface ofone or more of the balloons, such as the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a,217 b, 217 c and 219, or coated onto the surface of all of, part of or aportion of the catheter, such as the catheter 200, for releasing thetherapeutic drug or agent internally to a specific location of thecavity being treated.

The catheter 200 of FIG. 2A having a plurality of connectors or lockingmechanisms 201, 202, 203, 207 and 209, such as the luer-locks asexamples of connectors or locking mechanisms, and a plurality ofballoons, such as the balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and219, can be inserted into various body cavities, such as the esophagus,but is not limited thereto and can also be inserted for treatment intoother cavities, such as the rectum, vagina, etc., or surgically createdcavities, wherein the radioactive wire, or other radioactive ortherapeutic material or other therapeutic agent, can provide therequisite radiation dose or therapeutic treatment to treat cancerousgrowth or other medical conditions. Typically, the dimension of theradioactive wire, such as the radioactive wire 208, that can be insertedinto the central lumen 202 a, is desirably in a range of about 0.5 mm toabout 0.8 mm, for example, but can be of various suitable dimensions andconfigurations as can depend on the use or application.

Desirably, the radioactive wire, such as the radioactive wire 208, ismade of a suitable radioactive material, such as can includeIridium-192, Cobalt 60 and Yttrium 168, for example. The high dose rate(HDR) treatment delivered through the catheter, such as the catheter200, can be conducted with Ir-192, Au-198, 1-125 and Cs-131, forexample. Typically, the dose of radiation delivered by the radioactivewire, such as the radioactive wire 208, is about 1 Curie to about 10Curies per seed, but can be any suitable dose, as can depend on the useor application.

Also, HDR afterloaders can be used in conjunction with embodiments ofthe catheters, such as the catheter 200, for delivery of a radiationdose for treatment, such as Varisource, Gamma Med and BEBIG afterloadersor other suitable afterloaders, for example. For a low dose rate (LDR)application delivered through embodiments of catheters, such as thecatheter 200, Sr-90 can be used in conjunction with the radiation wire,such as the radioactive wire 208, as well as Cs-131 and Yb-168 can beused as the radiation source, for example. Typically, the dose ofradiation using the LDR configuration is usually one thousand times lessthan the HDR applications, such LDR does being in a range of about 1milli Curie to about 10 milli Curies, for example.

An advantage, among others, of embodiments of catheters, such as thecatheter 200, is that it can allow for delivering the radiation dose orother therapeutic agent to a specific site or a predetermined locationof the organ or body cavity, such as by the radioactive wire 208,through the central lumen 202 a, and can also allow, at the same time orat different times, removal of fluid or bodily material, from the areaof the treatment site, such as through the central lumen 202 a orthrough a main lumen 205 a that includes the central lumen 202 a, forexample, as well as also providing enhanced stabilization and/orpositioning of the catheter, such as the catheter 200, for treatment, byselective inflation or deflation of the corresponding balloons, such asthe balloons 215 a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219, for example, ascan allow selectively controlling the size of each balloon independentlyor in conjunction with one or more other balloons, to selectively adjustthe location and positioning of the catheter at the treatment site.

Also, the catheter 200 includes, such as illustrated in FIG. 2A, anembodiment of a secondary treatment balloon 270 at the non-branchingdistal end portion 216 of the catheter 200. The secondary treatmentballoon 270 can be selectively inflated or deflated to be positioned ina body cavity or a surgically created cavity for delivery of a radiationdose or other treatment agent to the surrounding tissue. In the catheter200, the lumen 201 a associated with a connector or locking mechanism201, such as a suitable luer lock, can receive and remove a fluidmedium, such as saline solution or a gaseous medium, such as by asyringe or other suitable delivery mechanism, such as a pump, toselectively inflate or deflate the secondary treatment balloon 270, forexample.

In the embodiment of the catheter 200, the secondary treatment balloon270 can be integrally formed with or affixed to or otherwise positionedin conjunction with the catheter 200, such as by a suitable glue oradhesive, for example, as indicated at attachment area 230. Thesecondary treatment balloon 270 has at least one or both of a firstsecondary treatment lumen 272 and a second secondary treatment lumen274. The first secondary treatment lumen 272 can be positioned inassociation with the periphery of the secondary treatment balloon 270,such as illustrated in FIG. 2A, for example, and can be integrallyformed with or affixed to or otherwise positioned in conjunction withthe secondary treatment balloon 270, such as by a suitable glue oradhesive, for example.

The first secondary treatment lumen 272 is desirably of a generallyspiral type configuration, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. Thefirst secondary treatment lumen 272 can be positioned in associationwith the periphery of the secondary treatment balloon 270, such aseither on an interior surface or on an exterior surface of the secondarytreatment balloon 270, for example, but desirably is placed inassociation with an interior surface or portion thereof. The firstsecondary treatment lumen 272 is communicatively connected to thecentral lumen 202 a by a connector or connector portion 276 a or can beintegrally formed therewith to deliver a radioactive dose or othertherapeutic treatment agent through the central lumen 202 a and throughthe first secondary treatment lumen 272 to a treatment site in a cavity,such as by insertion of the radioactive wire 208 or providing atherapeutic agent through the central lumen 202 a, the connector 276 aand the first secondary treatment lumen 272, for example.

The second secondary treatment lumen 274 is also communicativelyconnected to the central lumen 202 a by a connector or connector portion276 b, or can be integrally formed therewith to deliver a radioactivedose or other therapeutic treatment agent through the central lumen 202a and through the second secondary treatment lumen 274 to a treatmentsite in a cavity, such as by insertion of the radioactive wire 208 orproviding a therapeutic agent through the central lumen 202 a, theconnector 276 b and the second secondary treatment lumen 274, forexample. The second secondary treatment lumen 274 is desirably formed inan interior portion of the secondary treatment balloon 270 desirablyextending in a generally longitudinal direction in a generally centralportion of the secondary treatment balloon 270, for example.

FIG. 2B shows the cross sectional view taken along the 2B-2B plane ofthe catheter 200 of FIG. 2A. The catheter 200 is illustrated in sectionin FIG. 2B along with relative positions of the lumens 201 a, 202 a, 203a, 207 a and 209 a, for example. Also, FIG. 2B illustrates a relativeposition of the radioactive wire 208 within the central lumen 202 a. Thecentral lumen 202 a allows for selectively inserting and positioning theradioactive wire, such as the radioactive wire 208, or other suitabletreatment medium, for delivery of a treatment, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, another embodiment of a catheter 600 isillustrated. The catheter 600 is similar to the catheter 200 of FIG. 2Aas to components and structure, as described, including the balloons 215a, 215 b, 217 a, 217 b, 217 c and 219, and the corresponding lumens 201a, 202 a, 203 a, 207 a and 209 a with the connectors or lockingmechanisms 201, 202, 203, 207 and 209, as described, and can be ofsuitable shapes, dimensions and materials, as described in relation tothe catheter 200. However, the catheter 600 also includes an additionalconnector or locking mechanism 213, such as a suitable luer lock, thatconnects to a neck portion 206 f of the catheter 600 associated with anadditional lumen 213 a, with the additional lumen 213 a and the lumen201 a associated with an embodiment of a secondary treatment balloonassembly 250 at the non-branching distal end portion 216 of the catheter600 that is illustrated in greater detail and further described hereinin relation to FIGS. 2D and 2E.

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D, in the embodiment of the catheter 600, thesecondary treatment balloon assembly 250 can be integrally formed withor affixed to or otherwise positioned in conjunction with the catheter600, such as by a suitable glue or adhesive, for example, as indicatedat attachment area 280. The secondary treatment balloon assembly 250includes a secondary treatment balloon 251 that includes an outersecondary treatment balloon 252 and an inner secondary treatment balloon254.

The outer secondary treatment balloon 252 and the inner secondarytreatment balloon 254 can be selectively inflated or deflated to bepositioned in a body cavity or a surgically created cavity to betreated, for example. The lumen 213 a is in communication with the innersecondary treatment balloon 254 and the lumen 201 a is in communicationwith the outer secondary treatment balloon 252 to respectivelyselectively inflate or deflate the inner secondary treatment balloon 254and the outer secondary treatment balloon 252 to position and/orstabilize the secondary treatment balloon 251, including the innersecondary treatment balloon 254 and/or the outer secondary treatmentballoon 252, in a body cavity or surgically created cavity to betreated. Similarly, the lumens 201 a and 213 a can receive or can removea fluid medium, as previously described, such as saline solution or agaseous medium, such as by a syringe or other suitable deliverymechanism, such as a pump, to selectively inflate or deflate the innersecondary treatment balloon 254 and the outer secondary treatmentballoon 252, to provide a corresponding balloon, shape, size andconfiguration in the body cavity for the treatment, for example.

The secondary treatment balloon 251 has at least one or both of a firstsecondary treatment lumen 256 and a second secondary treatment lumen258, the second secondary treatment lumen 258 being optionally indicatedin FIG. 2D. The first secondary treatment lumen 256 can be positioned inassociation with the periphery of the inner secondary treatment balloon254 and can be integrally formed with or affixed to or otherwisepositioned in conjunction with the inner secondary treatment balloon254, such as by a suitable glue or adhesive, for example. The firstsecondary treatment lumen 256 is desirably of a generally spiral typeconfiguration, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D. The firstsecondary treatment lumen 256 can be positioned in association with theperiphery of the inner secondary treatment balloon 254, such as eitheron an interior surface or on an exterior surface of the inner secondarytreatment balloon 254, for example, but desirably is placed on aninterior surface or portion thereof.

The first secondary treatment lumen 256 is communicatively connected tothe central lumen 202 a by a connector or connector portion 255 a, andthe central lumen 202 a can extend into a neck area 257 of the secondarytreatment balloon assembly 250 by a connector portion 208 a as can becommunicatively connected to or integrally formed with the central lumen202 a, to deliver a radioactive dose or other therapeutic treatmentagent through the central lumen 202 a, through the connector orconnector portion 255 a and through the first secondary treatment lumen256 to a treatment site or a predetermined location in a cavity, such asby insertion of the radioactive wire 208 or providing a therapeuticagent through the central lumen 202 a through the neck area 257, theconnector 255 a and the first secondary treatment lumen 256, forexample.

In the inner secondary treatment balloon 254, the second secondarytreatment lumen 258 can be integrally formed with or affixed to orotherwise positioned in conjunction with the inner secondary treatmentballoon 254, such as by a suitable glue or adhesive, for example. Thesecond secondary treatment lumen 258 is desirably formed in an interiorportion of the inner secondary treatment balloon 254 desirably extendingin a generally longitudinal direction in a generally central portion ofthe inner secondary treatment balloon 254, for example.

The second secondary treatment lumen 258 is also communicativelyconnected to the central lumen 202 a by a connector or connector portion255 b, or can be integrally formed therewith to deliver a radioactivedose or other therapeutic treatment agent through the central lumen 202a, the connector 255 b and through the second secondary treatment lumen258 to a treatment site in a cavity, such as by insertion of theradioactive wire 208 or providing a therapeutic agent through thecentral lumen 202 a, the connector 255 b and the second secondarytreatment lumen 258, for example. The central lumen 202 a can extendinto a neck area 257 of the secondary treatment balloon assembly 250 bythe connector portion 208 a as can be communicatively connected to orintegrally formed with the central lumen 202 a, to deliver a radioactivedose or other therapeutic treatment through the central lumen 202 a to atreatment site in a cavity, such as by insertion of the radioactive wire208 or providing a therapeutic agent through the central lumen 202 athrough the neck area 257, the connector 255 b and the second secondarytreatment lumen 258 for example.

Referring now to FIG. 2E, there is illustrated the catheter 600 with anembodiment of the secondary treatment balloon assembly 250 that includessimilar components and structure to that described with respect to thesecondary treatment balloon assembly 250 illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D.However, in the secondary treatment balloon assembly 250 of FIG. 2E,there can be included a connector or locking mechanism 240, such as asuitable luer lock, that can include suitable male or female connectorsto selectively connect the secondary treatment balloon assembly 250 tothe catheter 600.

The connector or locking mechanism 240 or a portion thereof can beintegrally formed with or suitably connected with the distal end portion216 of the catheter 600 at an area 241, such as with a suitable glue oradhesive, for example. Also, the connector or locking mechanism 240 or aportion thereof can be integrally formed with or suitably connected withthe proximal end of the neck area 257 of the secondary treatment balloonassembly 250 at the area 241, such as with a suitable glue or adhesive.Such connector or locking mechanism 240 can assist in enabling attachingor exchanging with the catheter 600 various sizes and configurations ofthe secondary treatment balloon assembly 250 at the area 241 tofacilitate treatment and treatment options, for example. Further, inFIG. 2E, the inner secondary treatment balloon 254 only includes thefirst secondary treatment lumen 256 and the connector 255 a, with thesecond secondary treatment lumen 258 and the connector 255 b beingoptionally indicated by dashed lines therein.

Also, in the secondary treatment balloon assembly 250 illustrated anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 2C, 2D and 2E, the lumens 201 a, 202 aand 213 a can also be extended through the neck area 257 by one or morea suitable connector lumens, as can be integrally formed or joinedtherewith by a suitable process or method, to respectively communicatewith such corresponding connector lumens in the neck area 257 as cancorrespondingly communicatively connect or communicatively associate thelumens 201 a, 202 a and 213 a with the connectors 255 a, 255 b, theinner secondary treatment balloon 254 the outer secondary treatmentballoon 252, the first secondary treatment lumen 256 and the secondsecondary treatment lumen 258, as described.

Referring now to FIG. 2F, there is illustrated a cross sectional planarview taken along the 2F-2F plane of the catheter 600 of FIG. 2C. Thecatheter 600 is illustrated in section in FIG. 2F along with relativepositions of the lumens 201 a, 202 a, 203 a, 207 a, 209 a and 213 a, forexample. Also, FIG. 2F illustrates a relative position of theradioactive wire 208 within the lumen 202 a. The central lumen 202 aallows for selectively inserting and positioning the radioactive wire,such as the radioactive wire 208, or for selectively providing othersuitable treatment mediums, for delivery of a treatment, for example.

While various embodiments of inflatable balloons of embodiments of themulti-purpose balloon catheters described herein have been associatedwith a single spiral or a circular treatment lumen or a single treatmentlumen, or associated with first and second treatment lumens, positionedin association with a distal inflatable balloon of the catheter,embodiments of distal inflatable balloons for delivery of treatmentshould not be construed as so limited. In this regard, a distalinflatable balloon for treatment can include a relatively large numberof treatment lumens associated with a corresponding distal inflatableballoon, such as can include one to fifteen treatment lumens associatedwith or attached to a distal inflatable balloon, desirably attached toor associated with an inner wall or inner surface of the balloon orattached to or associated with an inner balloon of a distal inflatableballoon, for example.

Such multiple treatment lumens associated with a distal treatmentballoon can be selectively used for delivery of a plurality oftreatments, procedures, or other therapeutic purposes, such as fordelivery of radiation therapy, delivery of contrast agents for imagingor mapping a location, delivery of various therapeutic agents, etc., forexample, using a single distal balloon associated with a catheter,similar to those described herein. For example, a distal inflatableballoon associated with a catheter for treatment or a related proceduredesirably can include five such treatment lumens, such as one treatmentlumen being positioned at a center of an inner treatment balloon andfour treatment lumens positioned in association with the periphery ofthe inner treatment balloon, for example.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter for a medicaltreatment, comprising: a single intra-cavity catheter configured forinsertion into a body cavity for the medical treatment, the singleintra-cavity catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portionand a non-branching distal end portion; a plurality of lumens positionedin association with the single intra-cavity catheter extending from theproximal end portion of the single intra-cavity catheter; a plurality ofindependent and distinct balloon groups positioned in association withthe central portion of the single intra-cavity catheter, eachindependent and distinct balloon group being independently spaced fromeach of the other independent and distinct balloon groups on the singleintra-cavity catheter, each independent and distinct balloon group ispositioned in a non-overlapping contiguous arrangement on a samelongitudinal axis of the single intra-cavity catheter, each independentand distinct balloon group including at least one inflatable balloon,and each independent and distinct balloon group being communicativelyassociated with a corresponding at least one of the plurality of lumens,wherein at least one of the plurality of independent and distinctballoon groups is configured to be selectively inflated or deflated toselectively position the single intra-cavity catheter in the body cavityfor the medical treatment, and at least one other of the plurality ofindependent and distinct balloon groups is configured to receive atreatment medium or a contrast medium for the medical treatment; and anapplicator extender communicatively associated with the non-branchingdistal end portion of the single intra-cavity catheter, the applicatorextender being configured to be in communication with at least one ofthe plurality of lumens for the medical treatment.
 2. The multi-purposeballoon catheter according to claim 1, further comprising: a pluralityof connectors positioned in association with the proximal end portion ofthe catheter, the plurality of connectors each being respectivelycommunicatively connected with a corresponding at least one of theplurality of lumens, the plurality of connectors being configured toenable respectively selectively receiving or removing throughcorresponding ones of the plurality of lumens one or more of a liquidsaline solution, a fluid medium, a gaseous medium, a contrast medium, aradioactive material or other treatment medium for the treatment.
 3. Themulti-purpose balloon catheter according to claim 1, wherein: the bodycavity for the medical treatment is selected from the group consistingof an esophagus, a rectum, a vagina and a surgically created cavity. 4.The multi-purpose balloon catheter according to claim 1, wherein: thecatheter comprises polyurethane.
 5. The multi-purpose balloon catheteraccording to claim 1, wherein: the at least one inflatable balloon ineach of the plurality of balloon groups has a shape selected from thegroup consisting of a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, an ovalshape and a spherical shape.
 6. The multi-purpose balloon catheteraccording to claim 1, wherein: the at least one inflatable balloon ineach of the plurality of balloon groups is made of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of nylon, polyurethane, polyether block amide,and polyethylene terephthalate or combinations thereof.
 7. Themulti-purpose balloon catheter according to claim 1, wherein: at leastone portion of the catheter or the at least one inflatable balloon in atleast one balloon group of the plurality of balloon groups is coatedwith a medicinal agent for releasing the medicinal agent internally to apredetermined location in the cavity in association with or for thetreatment.
 8. The multi-purpose balloon catheter according to claim 1,wherein: the applicator extender includes at least one chamber incommunication with a corresponding at least one said other of theplurality of lumens configured to respectively receive and toselectively provide the applicator extender with at least one of aradioactive material, a treatment medium, a contrast medium or atherapeutic agent for the medical treatment.
 9. The multi-purposeballoon catheter according to claim 1, wherein: the applicator extenderincludes an upper chamber and a lower chamber each respectively incommunication with a corresponding at least one said other of theplurality of lumens configured to respectively receive and toselectively provide the upper chamber or the lower chamber with at leastone of a radioactive material, a treatment medium, a contrast medium ora therapeutic agent for the medical treatment.
 10. The multi-purposeballoon catheter according to claim 1, wherein: the applicator extenderincludes at least one chamber and further includes at least one of amembrane or a gate member positioned adjacent to at least one saidchamber, the at least one of the membrane or the gate member beingconfigured to selectively pass a corresponding at least one said otherof the plurality of lumens in communication with the applicator extenderto enable providing at least one of a radioactive material, a treatmentmedium, a contrast medium or a therapeutic agent for the treatment. 11.The multi-purpose balloon catheter according to claim 1, wherein: theapplicator extender includes a connector configured to selectivelycommunicatively associate the applicator extender with the non-branchingdistal end portion of the catheter.
 12. The multi-purpose ballooncatheter according to claim 1, wherein: at least one other of theplurality of lumens is configured to receive a radioactive material forthe medical treatment.
 13. The multi-purpose balloon catheter accordingto claim 12, wherein: the radioactive material includes at least one ofa radioactive wire or a radioactive seed.
 14. The multi-purpose ballooncatheter according to claim 12, wherein: the radioactive material isselected from the group consisting of Ir-192, Au-198, 1-125 and Cs-131.15. The multi-purpose balloon catheter according to claim 13, wherein:the radioactive material delivers a dose of radiation ranging from 1Curie to 10 Curies.
 16. A multi-purpose balloon catheter, comprising: asingle intra-cavity catheter configured for insertion into a body cavityfor the medical treatment, the single intra-cavity catheter having aproximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal endportion; a plurality of lumens positioned in association with the singleintra-cavity catheter extending from the proximal end portion of thesingle intra-cavity catheter; a plurality of independent and distinctballoon groups positioned in association with the central portion of thesingle intra-cavity catheter, each independent and distinct balloongroup being independently spaced from each of the other independent anddistinct balloon groups on the single intra-cavity catheter, eachindependent and distinct balloon group is positioned in anon-overlapping contiguous arrangement on a same longitudinal axis ofthe single intra-cavity catheter, each independent and distinct balloongroup including at least one inflatable balloon, and each independentand distinct balloon group being communicatively associated with acorresponding at least one of the plurality of lumens, wherein at leastone of the plurality of independent and distinct balloon groups isconfigured to be selectively inflated or deflated to selectivelyposition the single intra-cavity catheter in the body cavity for themedical treatment, and at least one other of the plurality ofindependent and distinct balloon groups is configured to receive atreatment medium or a contrast medium for the medical treatment; and anapplicator extender communicatively associated with the non-branchingdistal end portion of the catheter, the applicator extender including atleast one chamber in communication with a corresponding at least onesaid other of the plurality of lumens configured to respectively receiveand to selectively provide the applicator extender with at least one ofa radioactive material, a treatment medium, a contrast medium or atherapeutic agent for the medical treatment.
 17. The multi-purposeballoon catheter according to claim 16, further comprising: a pluralityof connectors positioned in association with the proximal end portion ofthe catheter, the plurality of connectors each being respectivelycommunicatively connected with a corresponding at least one of theplurality of lumens, the plurality of connectors being configured toenable respectively selectively receiving or removing throughcorresponding ones of the plurality of lumens one or more of a liquidsaline solution, a fluid medium, a gaseous medium, a contrast medium, aradioactive material or other treatment medium for the treatment. 18.The multi-purpose balloon catheter according to claim 16, wherein: theapplicator extender includes at least one of a membrane or a gate memberpositioned adjacent to at least one said chamber, the at least one ofthe membrane or the gate member being configured to selectively pass acorresponding at least one said other of the plurality of lumens incommunication with the applicator extender to enable providing at leastone of a radioactive material, a treatment medium, a contrast medium ora therapeutic agent for the treatment.
 19. The multi-purpose ballooncatheter according to claim 16, wherein: the applicator extenderincludes a first connector configured to selectively communicativelyassociate the applicator extender with the non-branching distal endportion of the catheter, and a second connector configured toselectively communicatively associate the applicator extender with thenon-branching distal end portion of the catheter.
 20. A multi-purposeballoon catheter, comprising: a single intra-cavity catheter configuredfor insertion into a body cavity for the medical treatment, the singleintra-cavity catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portionand a non-branching distal end portion; a plurality of lumens positionedin association with the single intra-cavity catheter extending from theproximal end portion of the single intra-cavity catheter; a plurality ofindependent and distinct balloon groups positioned in association withthe central portion of the single intra-cavity catheter, eachindependent and distinct balloon group being independently spaced fromeach of the other independent and distinct balloon groups on the singleintra-cavity catheter, each independent and distinct balloon group ispositioned in a non-overlapping contiguous arrangement on a samelongitudinal axis of the single intra-cavity catheter, each independentand distinct balloon group including at least one inflatable balloon,and each independent and distinct balloon group being communicativelyassociated with a corresponding at least one of the plurality of lumens,wherein at least one of the plurality of independent and distinctballoon groups is configured to be selectively inflated or deflated toselectively position the single intra-cavity catheter in the body cavityfor the medical treatment, and at least one other of the plurality ofindependent and distinct balloon groups is configured to receive atreatment medium or a contrast medium for the medical treatment; and anapplicator extender communicatively associated with the non-branchingdistal end portion of the catheter, the applicator extender including atleast one chamber and further including at least one of a membrane or agate member positioned adjacent to at least one said chamber, the atleast one of the membrane or the gate member being configured toselectively pass a corresponding at least one said other of theplurality of lumens in communication with the applicator extender toenable providing at least one of a radioactive material, a treatmentmedium, a contrast medium or a therapeutic agent for the treatment.